Seed of a valid idea

Oct. 1, 1997
In her editorial (July 1997) expressing her displeasure with practice management consultants, Heidi Emmerling does a great disservice to dentistry by categorizing all consultants as "blood-sucking leeches."

Dear RDH:

In her editorial (July 1997) expressing her displeasure with practice management consultants, Heidi Emmerling does a great disservice to dentistry by categorizing all consultants as "blood-sucking leeches."

The vast majority of dental offices that have used consultants have been highly satisfied and have seen great improvements in patient care, staff satisfaction, and productivity. I would not think of attempting to practice dentistry without our consultants to guide us toward excellence and efficiency.

Each of the consultants` suggestions that she has ridiculed contains the seed of a valid idea for improving patient care or solving a particular problem that an office might have. She may have had an overzealous consultant, but if a dental team will listen to consultant`s suggestions with an open mind, they will certainly learn and improve their patient care.

Charles E. Woods, DDS

Albuquerque, New Mexico

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